Eight-time world champion believes Estonia winner deserves a full-time Rally1 opportunity
Photography by Toyota
Words by Luke Barry
Oliver Solberg would be Sébastien Ogier’s pick to replace Kalle Rovanperä at Toyota next year.
Solberg joined the Toyota family at the top of 2025, taking the WRC2 title in a GR Yaris Rally2 and sensationally winning Rally Estonia overall in a one-off shot with the Rally1 car.
He and Ogier have established a strong relationship, with 24-year-old Solberg often seeking the advice of eight-time champion Ogier during events as well as off them.
Rovanperä’s decision to pursue a single-seater racing career from 2026 leaves a vacant seat in Toyota’s Rally1 lineup, which has naturally been linked to Solberg given his achievements this season and current relationship with Toyota.
Ogier was quick to stress the decision is not his, but feels Solberg deserves the opportunity to complete a full season at the top level.
He might not be making the decisions, but an eight-time world champion's opinion certainly carries weight
“Well I believe Oliver deserved a chance for sure in this sport with what he has proved so far, a chance at top level,” Ogier told DirtFish.
“He has been doing a couple of rallies but what he has done this year in this one shot was pretty impressive. Yeah, I believe he deserved an opportunity, but I’m not in charge of making contracts for Toyota Gazoo Racing!
“So we’ll find out very soon, I believe. We are at this time of the year where, of course, very soon it will be more clear about the next year.”
Traditionally Toyota announces its driver lineup for the following season after Rally Japan.
Solberg is remaining tight-lipped over his future, but isn’t hiding his desire to be in a Rally1 car permanently.
As auditions go, it doesn't get much better than winning first-time out - as Solberg did in Estonia
He told DirtFish: “It opens the door, but it doesn’t mean I get the seat. But my goal and my dream has been the same all year. My goal was to get back winning and prove myself and what I can do. And then obviously with the shot in WRC, I could definitely prove myself.
“I think all of the work this year is obviously all the [more] reason to get back to WRC and a full-time seat hopefully, and that’s the goal for next year 100%.”
Asked by DirtFish who he would like to see replace him, Rovanperä chuckled: “I don’t know. Some good driver who can do good results for the team.
“I think Toyota will have a good lineup, which even I don’t know yet, but I’m sure it will be a strong team.”
Words:Luke Barry
Tags: Kalle Rovanperä, Oliver Solberg, Sébastien Ogier, Toyota Gazoo Racing, WRC, WRC 2025, WRC 2026
Publish Date October 23, 2025 DirtFish
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